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At this point, I’m sure most are aware of the fact that Facebook has changed their algorithm yet again. They have done so in such a way that organic reach is basically nonexistent. They want fan page owners to “pay to play”; to sponsor/boost their content.
People are frustrated by these changes, and rightfully so; however, I hear people often state that they consider getting rid of their pages or don’t invest any amount of time trying to engage via this platform. I think maintaining a Facebook fan page that is regularly updated through uploading posts is still incredibly important for many reasons.
Facebook Still Dominates Social Media
Whether we want to admit it or not, Facebook remains a leader in the social media industry and doesn’t show any signs of losing that title. As of the first quarter of 2015, Facebook had 1.44 billion monthly active users. More often than not, a person may not have any other social media account except Facebook, and the demographic of it’s users are nearly all-encompassing. It is for these reasons that you should continue to nurture a fan page.
Brands Expect You to Have It
Even though it’s becoming increasingly evident to most people that organic reach is dead, brands still look for you to have a fan page. Brands recognize the above, that Facebook still dominates, and at the end of the day they’re looking to reach as many people as possible through their sponsorship with you. The more presence and engagement you have via top platforms, the more likely you’ll be chosen for sponsorship opportunities.
One Day It May Fit into Your Budget
As you start to build income through your business, your marketing budget should continually expand to align with your vision for growth. Setting a budget for sponsoring content via your fan page may be considered, and when it does you’ll already have an established page to work with. If you’re serious about and committed to building your brand, I’m certain you’ll eventually reach a level that will allow you to sponsor/boost content. Doing so is certain to give results, because whether we want to admit it or not Facebook has developed one of the most powerful targeted systems on the internet; it works when utilized appropriately. So plan accordingly for the future.
The main takeaway: Take the emotions out of your view of Facebook and view it for what it is; a platform about its business and one that you don’t own. Focus on cultivating the spaces that you do own while building engagement via social media platforms based on their best functional use in order to direct viewers and potential customers back to your site.
P.S. Here’s a simple way to keep an eye on your reach via Facebook.
On your fan page, on the top tab click on “Insights”. On the tab below that click on “Reach”. At the very bottom is a graph that shows “Total Reach”. Click on “Organic” on the right (or paid if you’re sponsoring posts) to see what “Your Average This Period” is.
A simple calculation can be done to determine what percentage of your audience is being reached each period. For example, when this screen shot was taken I had 980 followers: (123 average reach / 980 followers) x 100 = 12.6% organic reach.
Use this information to set goals for growth and expansion, especially as your social media marketing budget increases.
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I get so frustrated with FB and their algorithm changes!
I was hesitant about having a Facebook page but like you said a lot of people have Facebook more than any other social media. Its a great way to interact with others.
I do have to say Facebook is one of my highest traffic builders at the moment! I don't like the changes Facebook has made but still really helps my blog! You make some good points and I'm definitely going to start making goals with my blog with the % of reach etc. Thanks for sharing!
I have a love hate relationship with Facebook. If it weren't for blogging Facebook groups I'd never get any pageviews though haha. Thanks for sharing this! I don't think I've ever looked at the insights.
I get on Facebook enough as it is, so my page gives me something productive to do while on the app or website. What are some good ways to get people to interact on the page? I have a good number of likes overall, but rarely does anyone comment or like the posts.
Frustrating at times but I totally get it! I actually used campaigns before the rules changed, you don't have to spend a bunch and as you mentioned if you're serious about building your brand you will budget for it. Such another great article!
Great post! I love having my facebook page for my blog! It is a great way to connect with readers and fellow bloggers! It may not be the best for organic reaches however I still find it relevant! I love sharing posts and pins from all my other social media accounts as well! Thanks for the great information! I hope you have a wonderful week!
Sometimes it is frustrating but I keep at. Thank you for the encouragement.
Great post, I have seen a lot of business bloggers complain because their posts aren't getting seen. But they always seem to be the ones posting every 15 minutes drowning one persons feed all the time. The other side I take is business need to expect to have to pay some sort of advertising. I never really thought it was realistic for business owners to "demand/expect" free advertising either. At some point you just have to pay the piper….LOL
You brought up some good points, especially about brands expecting you have a FB fan page. Even though I don't think it's useful, I'll keep it. It's there for when I need it and although most of my fans don't see what I post there, you never know who you might reach at any given moment!!
Great post. I get very frustrated with FB and their pay to play mentality. However, it is still my biggest traffic source.
Great tips. It's so hit or miss with Facebook and really frustrating so I just don't invest too much time into it
Great post! Although Facebook can be frustrating at times, I think it is really important to keep the audience that you do have (when you have them :P). Also I hadn't thought about the fact that brands expect it, great point!
The only reason I keep it is because it only takes a minute or two to post to my FB page so I do, but that's it. If I don't hashtag with something I get like zero views; and never a like let alone a comment (although I'm sure that is not totally FB's fault). I don't see myself EVER paying to play though.
I agree with you 100% Nicole! If someone shares your page or content it exposes you to more people!
Thanks for voicing this truth